Assistant Manager- Enterprise Development

Enterprise Development · Mundra (Kutch) · Posted 2026-10-21

About the Project

Centre for Aquatic Livelihood Jaljeevika invites applications from qualified and motivated professionals for its coastal livelihoods development project in Mundra, Kutch, Gujarat. The project aims to strengthen the livelihoods of fishing communities through improved fish handling and post-harvest management, hygienic processing, value addition, women-led enterprises, better market access and sustainable use of coastal resources.

The project will work with fishing households, women fish vendors, processors, community groups, local institutions and market stakeholders to address gaps across the fisheries value chain. Key interventions include establishing community-managed fish drying and processing facilities, promoting fish-waste utilisation enterprises, strengthening women-led fish vending and food businesses, facilitating food safety compliance and financial linkages, and building community awareness around marine ecosystem stewardship and mangrove conservation.

Jaljeevika is looking for professionals who can combine technical knowledge with practical field engagement, community institution building and a strong commitment to inclusive livelihood development. All positions will be based in Mundra, Kutch, and will require regular engagement with coastal communities and local stakeholders.

Position Details

Location: Mundra, Kutch, Gujarat
Number of Positions: 1
Remuneration: ₹35,000 per month
Educational Qualification: Graduate degree in Rural Development, Enterprise Development, Management or a related discipline
Experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience
Last Date of Application: 10th November, 2026

Job Purpose

The Assistant Manager-Enterprise Development will support fishing households, women fish vendors, community groups and emerging entrepreneurs in developing viable fisheries-based enterprises. The position will focus on transforming livelihood activities into better-organised and commercially sustainable businesses through enterprise planning, costing, pricing, financial literacy, product development, packaging, branding, market access and institutional linkages.

The role will be particularly important in supporting women-led vending and processing enterprises, community-managed infrastructure and fish-waste utilisation businesses. The AM-Enterprise Development will work closely with the Project Manager and other field staff to ensure that technical improvements are supported by sound business planning and viable routes to market.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

A. Enterprise Identification and Assessment

Identify potential women entrepreneurs, fish vendors, processors, community groups and local businesses that could benefit from enterprise development support.
Conduct basic enterprise assessments to understand existing business practices, costs, revenues, customers, market demand, production constraints and growth opportunities.
Identify commercially feasible opportunities in fish vending, fish drying and processing, value-added fish products, packaging and fish-waste utilisation.
Assess local markets and consumer preferences to identify products and business models suited to the Mundra and wider Kutch context.
Help select and prioritise enterprises based on community interest, available skills, market potential and operational feasibility.

B. Business Planning and Enterprise Development

Support individual entrepreneurs and community groups in preparing simple business plans covering products, customers, production capacity, investment requirements, operating costs, pricing and expected revenues.
Help enterprises calculate the cost of raw materials, ice, packaging, transportation, labour and other operational expenses.
Train entrepreneurs in basic bookkeeping, cash flow management, savings, financial literacy and business record-keeping.
Support groups in developing realistic pricing strategies and assessing profit margins.
Provide regular mentoring to help businesses address operational challenges and improve their commercial performance.

C. Women-Led Enterprises and Improved Vending

Work directly with women fish vendors to strengthen their existing businesses and explore opportunities for value addition and improved retailing.
Support women-led groups in planning and managing fish vending, processing and other feasible food-related enterprises.
Facilitate the development of business plans for women receiving improved vending infrastructure, equipment or other project support.
Help women entrepreneurs understand daily sales, working capital requirements, cash management, customer relations and reinvestment needs.
Encourage collective purchasing, shared facilities, group marketing and other forms of cooperation where commercially appropriate.
Track the operational status and performance of supported enterprises and provide follow-up support to improve their continuity.

D. Product Development, Packaging and Branding

Coordinate with the fisheries team and community entrepreneurs to identify suitable value-added products and improve their market presentation.
Support the development of product names, labels, packaging concepts and basic branding materials.
Facilitate understanding of product quality, hygiene, shelf life, packaging requirements and consumer preferences.
Assist enterprises in understanding applicable food safety requirements and obtaining relevant registrations or licences, including FSSAI registration where appropriate.
Maintain follow-up records on the progress of supported enterprises towards certification and formalisation.

E. Market Linkages and Business Development

Map local retailers, fish traders, hotels, restaurants, institutional buyers, cooperatives and other potential market channels.
Facilitate buyer-seller meetings, market visits, business networking and product promotion activities.
Help enterprises understand market prices, buyer requirements, product specifications, order volumes and payment terms.
Support negotiations and facilitate direct market connections that may improve price realisation and reduce avoidable intermediary costs.
Explore opportunities for collective branding, common marketing and participation in local fairs or relevant trade events.
Maintain records of buyer contacts, market linkages, orders and repeat business wherever information is available.

F. Government Schemes, Finance and Formalisation

Identify relevant government schemes, bank products, enterprise support programmes and financial services for eligible beneficiaries.
Assist entrepreneurs and community groups with documentation and applications for suitable financial and institutional support.
Facilitate linkages with banks, financial institutions, government departments and enterprise development agencies.
Support eligible enterprises in understanding FSSAI requirements and other relevant formalisation needs.
Track applications, referrals, approvals and support accessed by beneficiaries without guaranteeing outcomes that depend on external agencies.

G. Community Infrastructure as a Business

Work with community groups managing fish drying and processing units, packaging and branding support systems, cold storage facilities and fish-waste utilisation enterprises.
Help groups assess operating expenses, user charges, maintenance costs, potential revenues and the financial feasibility of their facilities.
Support the preparation of basic operating and business management plans for shared infrastructure.
Facilitate transparent record-keeping, allocation of responsibilities, collection of user charges and routine review of business performance.
Help establish practical arrangements so that community facilities can cover their recurring costs and continue operating beyond direct project support.

H. Monitoring, Documentation and Reporting

Maintain enterprise profiles and records of business plans, training, market linkages, finance applications and formalisation support.
Track indicators such as the number of enterprises initiated or strengthened, enterprises remaining operational, sales, revenue trends and adoption of improved business practices.
Document challenges, lessons and promising enterprise models that could be replicated.
Submit regular field reports and updates to the Project Manager and contribute to project progress reporting.

Required Competencies

Understanding of rural livelihoods, microenterprise development and community-based business models.
Ability to work with small entrepreneurs, women's groups and community institutions.
Practical skills in business planning, basic costing, pricing, bookkeeping and market assessment.
Strong communication, facilitation, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
Ability to identify local market opportunities and translate them into practical business options.
Willingness to work in the field and provide regular handholding to supported enterprises.
Experience in fisheries-based livelihoods, coastal development, women's economic empowerment, community enterprise promotion or NGO/CSR project implementation will be an advantage.
Proficient in English, Gujarati/Kutchi (local language) and working knowledge of Hindi is mandatory for the position.

Remuneration

₹35,000 per month

Application Process

Apply through our portal https://careers.jaljeevika.org/. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further process.

Apply for this role